Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Forsythia x. Intermedia Lynwood Gold produces an amazing floral display in spring with an abundance of bright golden-yellow bell-shaped blossoms. Another spectacular show of colour is forthcoming in autumn when its leaves turn bright yellow with a hint of orange and red. A fast-growing forsythia, Lynwood Gold is perfect for growing as a shrub border or hedge and as a colourful ornamental plant. After flowering, prune flowering stems back to a lower side shoot. Apply a slow-release fertiliser after pruning.

Soil: Adaptable to most soil types.
Conditions: Plant in full sun to part shade. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 2m x width 2m

Cotinus coggygria Dusky Maiden is a compact and striking Smoke Bush valued for its deep purple foliage and its distinctive, airy flower plumes that create a soft, smoky effect through the warmer months. In spring, new leaves emerge a rich burgundy and hold their colour well into summer. Early in the season, clusters of tiny pale pink to purple flowers rise above the foliage and develop into the large, misty plumes that give the plant its name. As summer moves into autumn, these billowy plumes mature into smoky seed heads, while the foliage shifts to brilliant shades of red and orange before falling. In winter, the plant becomes bare and structural, with its leafless stems adding shape and contrast to the seasonal landscape. Ideal for borders, hedges or as a standalone feature, it brings bold colour and graceful texture to the garden.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought, frost, and coastal tolerant. Shelter from searing heat and wind.
Size: Height 1.5m x width 1.5m

Syringa vulgaris Primrose Lilac is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its abundant single, scented blooms. The flower buds appear in mid to late spring in tight heads as a creamy white,  before opening to a pale yellow to creamy white. The flowers can take on a more golden tone as they age. This upright shrub with green heart-shaped leaves makes a captivating addition to any garden, providing a burst of colour and scent. This is an excellent plant for the smaller garden, it can be used as a hedge, or as a feature plant in the garden border or in the lawn.
Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant.

Soil: Well-drained soil with added mulch
Conditions: Full sun. Cold and pollution tolerant.
Size: Height 2-3.5m x width 1.8-3m

Golden Chain Tree is a small spreading tree of breathtaking beauty in full bloom. It produces an abundance of drooping clusters of fragrant golden yellow flowers during spring and summer, followed by attractive bean-like pods. Its bright green foliage fades to soft green in autumn. The Laburnum can be trained to grow over arches or pergolas, giving a spectacular appearance when in blossom. All parts of the tree are poisonous to livestock.

Soil: Rich well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Frost and drought tolerant.
Size: Height 4m x width 3m

A deciduous weeping shrub, Acer palmatum dissectum Atropurpureum is a form of Japanese Maple. It is noted for its ferny, lace-like foliage that emerges purple-red in spring, matures to green with purple tints in summer and finally turns a showy orange-red in autumn. Small reddish flowers in spring are somewhat attractive on close inspection but are not showy from a distance. Water in well and keep soil moist until tree is established. Fertilise when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune to shape if necessary.

Soil: Best grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Avoid hot and dry sites. Protect from strong winds.
Size: Height 1.8-2m x width 1.8-2m

Nothing sets the tropical mood quite like frangipani, and the Fruit Salad frangipani is one of the most spectacular. Its heavenly-scented flowers are a blend of pink and yellow, softly washing together to create alluring, sunset-toned blooms. The flowers open in abundance from November right through to April, filling the garden with tropical colour and perfume. In hotter climates, the colouring intensifies for an even richer display. Fruit Salad flourishes in large pots, raised garden beds, or mounded soil where drainage may be an issue.

Soil: Well-drained soil. Ideal for sandy coastal gardens.
Conditions: Full sun. It does require shelter from frost
Size: Height 3-4m x width 2-3m

Pia Mina is a charming, dwarf variety of Hydrangea macrophylla, known for its remarkable resilience and ease of growth. This delightful shrub boasts lush, soft light green leaves and profuse, deep rose-pink flower clusters that maintain their vibrant colour regardless of soil pH. Ideal for small gardens, colourful borders, and container planting, Pia Mina is perfect for adding a splash of colour to any garden space. Its compact size and cold hardiness make it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for both outdoor and indoor settings.
Soil: Prefers rich, free-draining soil or premium potting mix.
Conditions: Thrives in part shade, requiring protection from harsh sunlight. It is frost tender and needs regular watering during dry periods.
Size: 90cm H x 90cm W

Notcutts Variety Viburnum produces a spectacular show all year round. Between spring and summer, the shrub will show off glossy green leaves with spectacular large clusters of glorious white, lace-cap flowers. During autumn the glossy green leaves will change to purple-red, and the flowers will be replaced with dazzling red berries. The more viburnums planted together, the greater the cluster of berries due to their cross-pollination. The berries, as well as the softly-fragrant flowers, have a great vase life.

Soil: Prefers good drainage
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Drought and frost tolerant.
Size: Height 3m x width 3m.